The Brightside: Wicomico Co. Health Dept. named “Distinguished Kindness Workplace”

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – The doctors office, and even the health department, can be intimidating.

But in Wicomico County, staff are trying to change the narrative.

“We’re really invested in the staff here, the community that we serve, and making sure that we’re continuing to do efforts, again,” said Wicomico County Health Department director, Jessica Sexauer.

The health department was recently named a distinguished kindness workplace through the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Sexauer said team members have been doing their part to make the health department a brighter place.

“There’s a pledge that they ask staff to sign, saying that they are going to participate or partake in some things,” Sexauer said.

And their positive attitudes have a direct impact on the people they serve.

“You never know what anyone is going through, but if you show up to work and you’re happy and you have a smile on your face, that kind of has a rippling effect,” Sexauer said. “It helps with customer service, it might make someone else who’s having a rough day feel a little better.”

Sexauer said it’s not just the workplace that can be a hot spot of kindness, she believes everyone can do their part to create a kinder world.

“One small act of kindness really does have a rippling effect and can go a long way, whether that’s greeting someone with a smile, holding the door open for someone behind you, you know, those things can make a big difference,” Sexauer said.